Otumfuo Hiahene Highlights Significance of Kumasi Children’s Park Redevelopment

The Board Chairman of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, has underscored the significance of the redevelopment of the Kumasi Children’s Park at Amakom.

Speaking at the sod cutting ceremony for the commencement of the First Phase of project on Thursday, the Otumfuo Hiahene referenced the declaration of child rights by the United Nations (UN).

These rights, he noted, includes the platform and liberty to play which can be done at venues such as the Children’s Park.

“In 1959, the United Nations declaration of the rights of the child recognized play as a fundamental human right. The UN recognized children’s play as a fundamental right and it says that the child has full opportunity for play and recreation which should be directed to the same purposes as education.”

According to the traditional leader cum orthopedic surgeon, physical outdoor play among children of mixed ages is the healthiest, most natural and most beneficial form of play.

“We forget that there is a very fundamental aspect of child development which is playing. Experience, not information is the key to emotional stability and development…To foster emotional growth and resilience, children need far more unsupervised play and greater independence. This is how they naturally develop social skills, overcome anxiety and learn self governance, growing into capable young adults.”

He recognized that the current generation are missing out on such ventures with the infiltration of technology particularly social media and smartphones.

According to him, if such relevant aspects of kids lives are considered, parks dedicated to them will receive the optimum attention and maintenance.

Old Children’s Park
In his speech, the Chief of Amakom, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, took all present down memory lane.

He recalled how he used to visit the library to read books and then played.

“Unfortunately, the once vibrant educational and entertainment venue turned to become something that had a different agenda.”

He also recounted how the once safe haven turned into den for thieves to prey on innocent passers-by for their valuables- an incident he said he was once a victim.

“I recall with nostalgic feeling when I once passed around this place in the evening around 6:30 and was attacked by some thugs. I personally experienced that and had to take out every pesewa in my pocket just to buy my head. So if I say I am the most happiest person here, I have a reason.”

He also expressed his eagerness to see the rebirth of the facility for kids.

Support
The Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), Samuel Pyne for his part assured sponsors of the project of their unflinching support.

“We pledge the support of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and on behalf of the Regional Minister to make sure this facility comes to a successful completion.”

He disclosed that seven investors who approached to partner in the redevelopment project unjustifiably failed to advance it.

He thereby hailed Lady Julia, the wife of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, for striking the deal to secure a partner for the project.

“When I assumed office as the Mayor, one of the things that I put on the table was the redevelopment of the Children’s Park. We had proposals from more than seven entities but they all went and never came back but I am happy that today, through the magic of Lady Julia and the Foundation, we are going to have a rebirth of the facility.”

He expressed his joy at some elements of the redevelopment including the recreational facility for leisure; the educational aspect to develop the cognitive domain of kids and; greening the environment.

Sod-cutting
Lady Julia performed the sod-cutting ceremony for the redevelopment of the project on December 5, 2024.

The event paves the way for the First Phase of the project which is under the partnership of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation and First Atlantic Bank.

Present at the event were Oheneba Nana Prof Boachie-Adjei Owoahene II, Otumfuo Hiahene and the Board Chairman of the OOTIIF, Nana Adu Mensah Asare, Amakomhene, Mr Odun Odumfa, Managing Director for First Atlantic Bank, Hon Sam Pyne, Chief Executive Officer of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and others.

Project
According to the OOTIIF, the redevelopment which is in two phases will see phase one taking off in January 2025 with Fencing and Landscaping, Construction of Security Post, Construction of Maintenance Building (Workshop officers etc), Construction of Washrooms and Solar Panels to provide light for the park.

The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in 24 months.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini